Prolonged exposure to noise levels generated by shotguns and other firearms can lead to serious damage to the hearing system.
Most people who shoot regularly now wear some form of hearing protection. This may be passive or active in nature.
Passive earplugs are made of a soft durable silicone material. These customised, very comfortable products effectively reduce all sound input to non-threatening levels. These products are excellent for clay pigeon shooting.
Custom-made electronic devices are also available which act as hearing enhancers, amplifying low level sounds, but acting as a plug as soon as any loud input signals are detected. These are particularly suitable when hunting live game.